Celine Dion, Isaac Hayes Estate Condemn Trump’s Use of Their Songs

Former President Donald J. Trump has been using Celine Dion and Isaac Hayes songs at his rallies, and neither artist’s representatives are pleased about it. The Republican presidential nominee has played Dion’s famous track “My Heart Will Go On,” leading the Quebecois-born singer to post on social media, “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.” Reflecting on the famously tragic single, the statement concluded with a touch of disbelief, “…And really, THAT song?”

Meanwhile, the estate of Hayes has threatened to sue for $3 million in licensing fees for Trump’s use, over several years, of “Hold On, I’m Coming,” a hit Hayes wrote for Sam & Dave. Back in 2017, Sam Moore performed at an inauguration event for Trump, firmly stating, “I am not going to let them, the left side, intimidate me from doing what I feel is the right thing to do for the country and that [presidential] seal.”

In a legal letter, Hayes’ family mentioned they “asked repeatedly” for Trump to stop using the song without success, according to BBC News. The family’s lawyer added that Trump has “willfully and brazenly engaged in copyright infringement.”

Recent artists joining the expanding list of those denouncing Trump’s use of their music include Johnny Marr, who said of Trump’s use of the Smiths’ “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want,” “Consider this shit shut right down.” Posthumously, Sinéad O’Connor’s estate has also spoken out, stating she “would have been disgusted, hurt and insulted to have her work misrepresented in this way.” The late singer’s estate went as far as to call Trump a “Biblical devil” in their statement.

Trump’s unauthorized song choices have sparked ire across a wide array of musicians and estates, further complicating his public appearances as he gears up for another presidential run. Artists continue to speak out against the use of their work, emphasizing the need for respect and proper licensing. The ongoing legal and social pushback against this unauthorized usage highlights the broader concerns of artists regarding copyright infringement and the responsible use of music in public and political spheres.

As these disputes persist, it’s evident that musicians are standing their ground to ensure their art is represented in ways they deem appropriate. Their resistance against unauthorized use isn’t just about politics but about reclaiming control over their creative works.

Source: BBC News